September first arrived and Harry had his new trunk packed and ready to go. They arrived at the station just before ten and Ted helped him get his things onto the train. They had apparated onto the platform therefore he had his uniform on already. Kingsley arrived a few minutes later and took Harry to the side.
"Now would be a good time to break the wards." He explained.
"Number four Privet drive is not my home." Harry told him, "I do not intend on returning ever again."
They waited a few minutes before Moody arrived, "It's done."
"Good luck Harry." Kingsley nodded and headed to the Tonks family.
"I put a curse on the house." Moody grabbed his shoulder, "No matter what Albus does, the blood wards will not stick. If he tries to send you back write to me."
"Yes sir." Harry agreed.
The platform was beginning to get busy so Harry waved at Andromeda and Ted and got on the train. He had said his goodbyes to them at their home so no one would find out where he'd been. It could prove difficult for them, not from Voldemort but from Dumbledore. He almost wished he could be a fly on the wall of Dumbledore's office right about now. He wondered how they were taking the news that the blood wards were gone. Harry hadn't even begun to look for the Weasley's when the door to his compartment was thrown open and invaded by gingers.
"Hiya Harry." George greeted him first but he was quickly followed by Fred and Ron.
"Hi, you're early." Harry chuckled.
"George made me pack everything last night." Fred huffed, "We always try to forget at least three things to slow us up."
"We didn't want to be any later than we had to." Ron gave him a light shove, "This is the earliest we've ever been."
"Where's scabbers?" Harry asked not seeing the rat as he handed the map back to George, "Thanks for that."
"Locked in my trunk." Ron shrugged, "Stunned him and put a bubblehead charm on him even though I'd really like to see him suffocate slowly. What did you need the map for?"
"Slow suffocation sounds like a winner." Harry agreed, "We killed the basilisk."
"Who was with you?" Ron questioned seriously as George informed Fred about the snake.
"Kings, Moody, Bones and several goblins." Harry answered, "About gave Kingsley a heart attach when I jumped down the drain. So how did the discouragement go?"
"We made mum and dad see that she was obsessed." George shrugged, "She's been in a right foul mood I'll tell you."
"George you're doing it again." Fred pointed out.
"What?" Harry wondered not seeing George do anything out of character.
"Finishing his own sentences." Ron sniggered, "He can finish Fred's but sometimes he forgets to let Fred finish his."
"Sorry!" George ducked his head, "I'm sorry Fred."
"Just tell everyone he's not been the same since the kidnapping." Harry told them, "They'll buy it long enough for George to get it down."
"What are you guys doing back here?" Lee entered their compartment just as the final whistle blew.
"Just visiting for a moment." Fred waved him off.
"Spiffing to see you old chap." George stood and grabbed Harry's hand giving it a firm shake.
"We'll stop back for a visit soon." Fred stood with him and gave a small bow.
"Do hope you can get along without us." George waved and led the way out the door.
"We'll manage." Ron chuckled.
"Good show." Fred followed George out.
"How was your summer?" Ron asked once the door was closed.
"Great!" Harry sighed as he leaned back in his seat, "The boost of power I got when the block was removed floored me. It was bigger than the one after the battle. The one I got after the ritual matched it though. I was going through life with a good portion of my magic blocked. I'm surprised I could do anything! How was your summer?"
"Normal." Ron ginned, "Lots of quidditch, tossing gnomes and feeding the chickens. I forgot how good the simple life of a kid can be."
"Perspective." Harry agreed as the door slid open.
"Can I..I..I s..s..sit here?" Neville Longbottom asked from the door.
It took everything in Harry not to just jump up and pull his friend into a hug, "Sure, I'm Harry and this is Ron."
"N…Neville." He introduced himself and they all shook hands.
Things were a bit awkward for a few moments but Ron saved the day, "Did you listed to the Portree game on the wireless yesterday? It was amazing."
"It was." Harry agreed, "Do you like Quidditch Neville?"
"I d..d..don't mind listening to a game b..b..but I don't play." He smiled at being included, "I d..d..don't like flying."
A few hours later the train was rumbling though the country side when the trolley lady arrived. Once they had their purchases made and part of it eaten Ron bit his lip and looked at his friends.
"I'm going to have a look around." He tried for nonchalant.
"Good luck." Harry nodded.
Ron grimaced but nodded back. Neville watched him leave, "He looks a bit nervous."
"He saw a girl on the platform that he wants to talk to." Harry snickered, "Her parents looked like muggles."
"We have to worry about girls already?" Neville sounded panicked.
"We don't have to." Harry shook his head, "Ron is just… different."
"Good." Neville sighed with relief, "I wasn't planning on that problem for years yet."
"Me too." Harry agreed, "Like seven years or ten!"
"Eternal bachelorhood sounds good right now." Neville laughed.
"You and me brother." Harry laughed with him but also noticed Trevor trying to escape, "Hey you come back here." He caught the toad half way out the door, "Here you go Nev. He's an escape artist."
Ron came back in and took his seat within five minutes. Harry gave him a look over before asking, "Any luck?"
"She's in a compartment with like thirty other girls." He shook his head, "I wouldn't enter that compartment for love nor money."
"Well you still have seven years in which to woo her to your side." Harry clapped him on the back, "Neville and I have a solemn brotherly vow for eternal bachelorhood."
"I expect that vow to last two years tops." Ron chuckled at them.
"Oi Neville, he's at it again." Harry pointed out the toad that was trying for the door again.
"Trevor!" Neville dove at the toad and caught him, "I need to get you a travel aquarium."
"I'll be right back." Ron quickly ducked out the door before coming back, "If I come back with a girl pretend you just found him."
Neville looked at Harry in confusion, "What's he doing?"
"He's going back to that compartment full of girls to see if any of them has seen your missing toad." Harry snickered.
"But he's right here." Neville held up the toad in question.
"He's going to use it as a way to get to talk to her and see if she'll help him look." Harry explained, "Remember if he comes back with a girl you just found him."
"Alright but I don't see how anyone could fall for that." Neville sighed.
"We'll see." Harry didn't know how it would turn out but he hoped for the best for Ron.
"Where's your ginger?" Tonks entered the compartment sat by Harry and put her arm around him.
"Girl hunting." Harry replied, "Something I'm staying far away from at the moment. This is Neville Longbottom. Neville this is Ms. Tonks, last name only she will hex you to pieces if you even think of her first name."
"Good boy." Tonks patted Harry on the head, "You can learn new tricks."
Neville gave a wave but didn't say anything. Harry pushed her hand away from patting his head, "Did you want something specific or just to bug the living daylights out of me again?"
"Bugging sounds fun." She poked at him a few times, "No, really mum just told me to check up on you now and again. Make sure we don't start any trouble and if you bought out the trolley, I'm to take half."
"I highly doubt that last one." Harry grinned, "Besides I ate it already."
"What?" she gasped dramatically, "You didn't save any for me?"
"Of course, I did." Harry grinned, "I have half of a chocolate frog that Ron may have sat on at one point."
Tonks busted up laughing. She gave Harry a hug and stood, "Don't forget you've got to get into Hufflepuff."
"Your mum was a Slytherin, you and your dad are Hufflepuffs, my parents were Gryffindors that leaves poor Ravenclaw out on its ear." Harry pointed out, "Maybe I should go there and complete the circle."
"Ewwwww, who wants to study that much?" She grinned as she sauntered out the door, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"So, I can do whatever I want because I'd never go as far as you." Harry yelled as she left.
Her laughter floated back to the open compartment door. Harry shook his head and pushed the door closed and retook his seat.
"And she was?" Neville looked a bit shell shocked.
"My cousin, I stayed with them for a bit over the summer, they took me to Diagon Alley." Harry grinned, "Long story, I can explain the full story later but I'm limited on what I'm allowed to say right now."
"I don't need to know everything." Neville shrugged.
"Any luck finding him Neville?" Ron asked when he returned a few minutes later with a girl in tow.
"Yes, he's right…" Neville felt in his pocket, "Dang it he's gone again."
"Hey are you missing a toad?" Tonks came back carrying the animal, "It followed me home."
"Trevor." Neville groaned and took the toad back, "Thank you Tonks."
"No problem Neville." She smiled before turning to the red head, "Ronald how lovely to see you again."
"Hi Nimmy." He grinned unrepentantly before hiding behind the girl, "Sorry, Charlie and Bill told me they'd each pay me two galleons if I called you that in front of people."
"I'll pay you three never to say it again." She grumbled, "And don't hide behind girls that's just rude."
"Tonks may I introduce you to Hermione Granger." His smile softened a bit, "Hermione this is Ms. Tonks, Harry and Neville."
"Pleasure to meet you all." She said a bit shyly, "I'm glad you got your toad back."
"He's a menace." Neville shook his head, "Thanks for helping to look for him."
"See you all later." Tonks called, "Neville keep both hands on the toad."
"I will." He answered and waved the toad, in both hands, at her.
"You can either sit with us or I can walk you back if you want." Rod elbowed Harry who switched to sitting by Neville without a fuss.
"I didn't mean to make you move." Hermione tried to stop Harry.
"No problem." Harry grinned, "I'm tired of sitting by him. Beside Neville needs help corralling Trevor."
Hermione giggled a bit but took a seat beside Ron, "What house are you guys going for?"
"Harry's trying for Ravenclaw." Neville snickered.
"That's new." Ron grinned, "What changed your mind?"
"Just teasing Tonks, she wants me in Hufflepuff." Harry waved him off, "I don't really care which house I go into. All are fine."
"I can't imagine going anywhere but Gryffindor." Ron shrugged then turned to Hermione, "My whole family has been there."
"That's where Dumbledore went isn't it?" she asked, "He's a genius. I think that's where I'd like to go."
"It's odd you know." Harry commented, "He's supposed to be a genius but usually the smartest go to Ravenclaw. I wonder why he went to Gryffindor instead."
"Gran says he should have been in Slytherin." Neville gave a small smile, "She says he's too sneaky for anyone's good."
"Maybe we should each go into a different house." Hermione grinned teasingly, "Ron's going for Gryffindor, Harry is wanted in Hufflepuff, I want to be smart so Ravenclaw and that leaves Slytherin for you Neville."
"NO!" Harry spoke up quickly, "That's a terrible idea. Neville would have to kill them all within a week. Tonks say's they're very annoying."
"I just hope we're together." Neville had a peculiar look on his face, "I'd hate to go where I don't know anyone."
It wasn't much longer before the announcement stated that they would be arriving in ten minutes, all three boys were already in uniform. Ron walked Hermione back to her compartment so she could change. Once the two of them were gone Neville turned to Harry.
"You know what happened to my parents don't you." He stated.
"I do." Harry turned his back to the window and pulled his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around his legs, "While visiting at the Tonks' home I got a crash course on magical culture. It included information about both our parents. Before I met them, I had been told my parents were drunks who died and nearly killed me in a car crash."
"That's horrible." Neville frowned at the idea, "They were heroes."
"So are your parents." Harry gave him a small smile.
"I know, I'm very proud of them." He returned the small smile, "But sometimes it hurts."
"That it does." Harry agreed.
The train began to slow down to make its entrance to the station and the halls were soon filled with students. The two boys just stayed where they were until the train came to a stop and the congested halls began to clear. Harry wondered briefly where Ron was but realized he'd see him soon enough. They made their way off the train and headed to where Hagrid was calling. They found Ron and Hermione standing at the back of the group.
"Glad you waited for us." Harry gave him a light punch on the shoulder.
"I knew you could find your way." Ron grinned back, "Hope we can get a boat together."
"A boat?" Hermione asked as they began to follow Hagrid away from the carriages.
"Tradition." Ron declared, "We take little boats across the lake to get the best view of the castle."
"I heard its spectacular this way." Harry added.
"Gran said s. too." Neville had almost lost his stutter over the trip.
They slipped and slid along the path until they reached the side of the lake. The oohs and awes began ahead of them before they could even see, though Hermione joined in as soon as they were in view. Harry grinned up at the fully lit castle and took a deep breath before he found an empty boat. Ron got in and helped Hermione as Harry held it still. Neville clamored in after them and Harry was the last off the beach. As soon as he was in Hagrid started them off.
The night was warm and the cool breeze skimming across the water took the children's whispers of awe and swept them towards the brightly lit castle waiting in the distance. Harry and Ron both felt their anxieties being pulled along with the whispers. They grinned at each other and for a few moments they forgot the task that was set before them. They would allow it to leave them just for the night. All thoughts of Voldemort were pushed aside as they joined the rest of the eleven-year old's gasping in delight at the spectacular sight.
The long flight of stairs awaited and they nearly ran up them just trying to keep up with Hagrid. His steps took him up three at a time and the small children scrambled behind him. Once Hagrid reached the top he looked back and waited until they all caught up before knocking on the door. It opened and Harry was barely able to hold in the greeting he wanted to yell. Ron, he noticed, was biting his lip to hold his in. George, Ron and Harry had all began to call her Aunt Minnie after the battle. All three would have a hard time addressing her as Professor again. Within a few moments they were ensconced into the side room and waiting for the sorting to begin.
"Longbottom, I'm surprised to see you here." Draco Malfoy sneered at the boy beside Harry, "I didn't think they let squibs in."
"What is a squib to you?" Harry interrupted.
"Who are you?" He sneered at Harry this time.
"I'm Neville's friend and I don't think you know what a squib is." Harry began, "My definition of a squib is a non-magical person born from magical parents. And I know Neville has quite a bit of magic so in my definition he is not a squib. He may lack some confidence but I know he doesn't lack magic. I just wanted to know what you classify as a squib to see if he is one in your definition."
Before anyone could make a retort of any kind one of the girls gave a little scream as the ghosts floated through. Then McGonagall arrived and they were escorted away to the sorting. Harry grinned widely at the sight before his eyes. Hundreds of candles lit the room and the ceiling was full of stars. He couldn't imagine anything more perfect than the sight of the Great Hall in perfect condition filled with light and laughter he felt like he had come home. For just a moment he saw the hall in the condition it was after the battle but he banished the thought promising that it wouldn't come to that.
The basilisk was already dead as was the book, ring, cup and locket. Sirius was on his way to the ministry for his trial. Ron had Scabbers secured. The diadem would be found and destroyed so hopefully they could get a good defense professor in the future. He'd have to make sure Lockhart wasn't available for the job. Once Voldemort was caught Moody and Kingsley would go after Crouch. Hermione's name being called brought him back to the present. It took the hat about five minutes to put her in Gryffindor and a few minutes later the hat took several minutes to put Neville there as well. When it was Harry's turn Ron patted him on the shoulder and gave him a grin.
"Oh my… how did you… very clever… and loyal… and cunning… bravery in spades." The hat couldn't seem to finish one idea before jumping to the next, "Exciting… and horrifying… how are you sane?" it finally settled on a comment.
"Merlin only knows." Harry thought back to the hat, "Can I go to Gryffindor with my friends please?"
"I think that's best." The hat agreed, "You'd survive Slytherin but some of them wouldn't. Yes, I think it's safest for us all if you go to… Gryffindor."
Of course, the last word was shouted out. Fred and George began to pound on the table and many of the others joined in. Hermione was brought out of her shock and clapped as he made his way to the Gryffindor table. Harry sat with Neville across from Hermione.
"Why didn't you tell us?" she hissed.
"I knew." Neville shrugged, "Tonks was there when you arrived and she can distract anyone from anything. I didn't realize we didn't give you full names."
"That's true." Hermione admitted and turned to Harry, "I've read about you."
"Don't believe it." Harry cut her off, "No one knows what really happened. I doubt Moldy himself could tell you. So, I'm really sure that author didn't know and is making assumptions and wild guesses."
"Moldy?" Hermione asked in confusion.
"His name for You-know-who." Neville whispered, "Ron's up next."
They cheered for Ron when he was sorted into Gryffindor and took the seat next to Hermione. The feast started after Dumbledore's normal weirdness was done. Harry was enjoying himself immensely when he happened to glace up to the head table and saw Snape sat beside Quirrell. A push on his occlumancy barriers had him quickly turning back to his friends. Better for whichever it was to think he had turned away then to think he could feel them and stop them.
Harry renewed his determination to end this quickly. Classes would begin in the morning but tomorrow afternoon Ron and the twins would accompany him to the Room of Requirement and find the horcrux. Once that was done, he'd let Kingsley know and they'd find a way to get the two Aurors into the castle to perform the test. Once they confirmed that Quirrell was possessed they'd be able to destroy the diadem and see what would happen to the wraith.
When dinner and announcements were done, they headed off to the dorms. So far everything had happened the same way it did last time. Harry was just sighing in relief at the sight of the door into Gryffindor when a cough had him tense right back up.
"Mr. Weasley, I need to borrow Mr. Potter for a few minutes. Have you given him the password?" Dumbledore approached.
"I was just going to tell them sir." Percy answered, "You'll need to memorize this but it will change weekly. This week it is Fortuna Major."
The portrait swung open and most of the group tromped in. Harry's friends tried to stay with him but Dumbledore put that to an end, "In you go. Mr. Potter will be along in a few minutes."
Harry gave Ron a slight nod and the three of them crawled into the common room. Watching the door close, Harry waited for Dumbledore to speak. He was almost positive this would be about the blood wards but he wasn't going to blow his cover so he waited.
"I see you've found a few friends already." Dumbledore began.
"Yes sir." Harry nodded but refused to look him in the eye. Not that he couldn't block the probe Dumbledore would surely send but he didn't want the old man to know he could. Not to mention he was supposed to be downtrodden with little to no self-confidence.
"Did you enjoy the train ride?" he continued with the small talk.
"Yes sir." Harry continued to speak quietly as he looked up at the beard then back to the door.
Dumbledore was getting a bit frustrated at the short answers he was getting so he got to the point, "Do you not like living with your relatives?"
"No sir." Harry continued knowing he was causing frustration.
"Harry look at me." He demanded. Harry looked up at the man's nose but not in his eyes. Sighing again Dumbledore continued, "There were some very special wards on your home and just as you got on the train they broke. Can you tell me if you said anything about your home when you got on the train?"
"Yes sir." Harry nodded, "I told Ron I would be glad if I never had to go back to that house."
"What about next summer?" Dumbledore was exasperated.
"Ron said I could stay at his house." Harry gave a small grin still speaking quietly, "He has to check with his mother but he's sure she won't mind."
"I wish you hadn't said that." Dumbledore sighed.
"Sorry sir. But I will be very happy if I never have to see them again." Harry looked at the floor to hide his grin, "I'm not sure I would survive if I did."
With that said he let Harry go into the common room. Dumbledore headed away from Gryffindor with a frown on his face. He'd have to get some help to get those wards restored. It was imperative that the boy return next summer.